Summer Journal 2012, August 21st

It's very quiet at Stavraqu.  We rode with Paris, Carrie, Jaiden and Alex to the Thessaloniki Airport early for their 8 a.m. flight to Munich.  From Munich they head to Toronto where they have a five hour layover before completing their last leg into Columbus.  Stell said he will never forget the feeling of Alexander clutching onto his leg in the airport.  I know the trip has been emotional for everyone (the best kind of emotions).  Paris loved being reunited with his old stomping grounds and spending time with friends and family.  Carrie rolled with it all - the new environment, so many people wanting to be with her - everyone commenting on her beauty and calm.  Jaiden had the capacity to be an instant-Greek, and often she left us with cousins and other new friends.  She especially liked the young women, Stella and Helena.  Alexander walked the grounds of Stavraqu as if the spirit of his great grandparents were guiding his steps (which did include innumerable elbow and knee scrapes).  He is tremendously coordinated, and we marveled at his capacity to do all the stairs, as well as his ability to handle cups and silverware.  Here is the family at the Airport in Thessaloniki just prior to boarding the plane at 8 a.m.:

After our bit of an ordeal (to described later) with the Alamo rental car where we returned Paris' car, we took a taxi to the bus terminal and a bus back to Ierissos.  I went to the Lykee and bought 1/2 kilo of my favorite olives, then met Stell at Sultana's for an ouzo with our cousin and nephew, Kyros and Aggelos.  Here they are, and we are meeting them for dinner at Colottsi's at 10 p.m. tonight: